Zatoichi and the Chess Expert (Zatoichi Jigoku tabi) (1965) (NR)

synopsis

The blind bulldog-looking Zatoichi is an assassin, masseur, gambler and champion of the commoner during Japan's Edo era. Zatoichi can strike down an opponent with his trusty shikomni-zue (cane sword), using hearing alone to find his target. As a group of swordsmen track him, he gains new traveling companions -- a wounded girl, her chaperon and a chess player with deadly intent, upon whom two samurai are desperately seeking revenge.